The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked the professional license of Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Iowa's largest school district, on Monday after he was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for living in the U.S. illegally. Roberts, a native of Guyana, came to the U.S. on a student visa in 1999 and was detained on Friday, facing a final removal order issued by an immigration judge.
In their communication, the board stated Roberts was ineligible to hold a license due to a lack of legal presence in the country. His arrest, which took place after a traffic stop in Des Moines, led to the discovery of a loaded handgun in his district-issued vehicle, along with a hunting knife and a substantial amount of cash.
Des Moines school officials claimed they had no prior knowledge of Roberts' immigration status, asserting he verified citizenship when hired in 2023. Following the news of his illegal status, the school board voted unanimously to place him on unpaid leave, stripping him of his $286,716 salary. His ongoing contract necessitates possessing a state certification.
The board chair mentioned receipt of formal notification from the Department of Homeland Security, indicating Roberts' unauthorized work status. They have given his attorney until Tuesday to contest these findings or face termination.
Roberts, well-regarded for his involvement in community events and student advocacy, previously served as a superintendent in Pennsylvania. With over 30,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees, the district initiated an interim plan naming Matt Smith as the acting superintendent following the decision to suspend Roberts.
Community reaction has been tense, with the board chair noting students were frightened by the incident. Amidst the turmoil, U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn called for thorough documentation from ICE regarding the arrest, emphasizing the importance of clarity in such serious matters involving public officials.
In their communication, the board stated Roberts was ineligible to hold a license due to a lack of legal presence in the country. His arrest, which took place after a traffic stop in Des Moines, led to the discovery of a loaded handgun in his district-issued vehicle, along with a hunting knife and a substantial amount of cash.
Des Moines school officials claimed they had no prior knowledge of Roberts' immigration status, asserting he verified citizenship when hired in 2023. Following the news of his illegal status, the school board voted unanimously to place him on unpaid leave, stripping him of his $286,716 salary. His ongoing contract necessitates possessing a state certification.
The board chair mentioned receipt of formal notification from the Department of Homeland Security, indicating Roberts' unauthorized work status. They have given his attorney until Tuesday to contest these findings or face termination.
Roberts, well-regarded for his involvement in community events and student advocacy, previously served as a superintendent in Pennsylvania. With over 30,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees, the district initiated an interim plan naming Matt Smith as the acting superintendent following the decision to suspend Roberts.
Community reaction has been tense, with the board chair noting students were frightened by the incident. Amidst the turmoil, U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn called for thorough documentation from ICE regarding the arrest, emphasizing the importance of clarity in such serious matters involving public officials.
